The Crackin' Backs Podcast

Your Feet Are Getting Weaker. Here's Why. | Dr. Mark Wallen

What if the root cause of your knee pain, poor balance, declining mobility, and even faster aging starts with something you rarely think about... your feet?

For decades, medicine treated the foot as an isolated body part—something to cushion, brace, inject, or surgically repair. But after spending more than 40 years as a podiatric surgeon, Dr. Mark Wallen began questioning everything he thought he knew.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Wallen shares why modern footwear may be weakening our feet, how foot dysfunction impacts the entire kinetic chain, and why strengthening the foundation of your body could be one of the most overlooked keys to longevity, athletic performance, injury prevention, and healthy aging.

We dive into barefoot training, toe spacers, orthotics, balance, posture, foot mobility, aging, athletic performance, and the surprising mistakes millions of people make every day that may be contributing to chronic pain and movement dysfunction.

Whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior, healthcare provider, parent, or simply someone who wants to stay active for life, this episode may completely change how you think about your feet.

In This Episode

 Why Dr. Wallen changed his perspective after 40 years of foot surgery

 The truth about orthotics, toe spacers, and foot strengthening

 How modern shoes may be contributing to foot dysfunction

 The hidden connection between foot health, balance, and longevity

 Common footwear mistakes that can affect your knees, hips, and posture

 Why foot strength matters for athletic performance and healthy aging

 The most preventable foot conditions he saw throughout his career

 What parents should know about raising healthy, resilient feet

About Dr. Mark Wallen

Dr. Mark Wallen is a retired podiatric surgeon with more than four decades of experience treating foot and ankle conditions. Having performed thousands of procedures and treated patients across every age group, he now focuses on educating people about foot function, movement, balance, and the role strong, healthy feet play in overall health and longevity.

Do you think modern shoes are helping us—or hurting us?

Have you ever tried barefoot training, toe spacers, or foot-strengthening exercises?

 Let us know in the comments:

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Longevity • Human Performance • Sports Medicine • Recovery • Nutrition • Mindset • Functional Health • Biohacking • Healthy Aging • Chiropractic • Physical Therapy • Movement Optimization

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Today’s episode may completely change the way you look at one of the most misunderstood foods on the planet… sardines.

Joining us is Dr. Andria Klioze, a physician who spent decades inside the VA healthcare system treating some of the sickest chronic disease patients in America before stepping away from the traditional “pill-for-every-problem” model to build a more root-cause driven approach to health through Shield of Life. Her work focuses on disease prevention, metabolic health, inflammation reduction, longevity, nutrition education, and helping patients reclaim their health through lifestyle transformation. 

Through Shield of Life, Dr. Klioze teaches patients how food, soil quality, gut health, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction are deeply connected. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: the body knows how to heal when we stop interfering with biology. 

In this episode, we dive deep into why sardines are suddenly being called one of the world’s ultimate superfoods — packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, minerals, and brain-supportive nutrients that may help support longevity, reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and nourish the nervous system. But we also tackle the real issue: why so many people are repulsed by them before ever giving them a chance.

We break down the myths, stigma, smell, texture, and cultural misconceptions surrounding sardines, along with practical ways to prepare them so they actually taste incredible. From simple recipes and cooking strategies to the science behind why these tiny fish may outperform many expensive “health foods,” this conversation is both eye-opening and surprisingly fun.

If you care about brain health, inflammation, metabolic fitness, nutrient density, food quality, longevity, or simply learning how to eat smarter without falling for marketing hype — this is an episode you do not want to miss.

So sit back, keep an open mind… and prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about sardines.

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Most people think chronic illness is only about pain.

But what if the real battle is losing your identity, your purpose, and the life you thought you were going to live?

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with psychologist Jeffrey Bone Psy.D for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had about the emotional and psychological reality of living with chronic illness and chronic pain.

This isn’t another “just stay positive” discussion.

It’s about what happens when:

• Your symptoms don’t go away 
• Your labs say “normal” 
• Your relationships change 
• And you no longer recognize yourself 

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The hidden mental health crisis behind chronic illness and chronic pain 
• Why so many patients feel dismissed, unseen, or misunderstood 
• How chronic illness can strip away identity, confidence, and purpose 
• The truth about “learned helplessness” and why some people struggle to move forward 
• How to rebuild meaning and emotional resilience when symptoms remain unpredictable 
• Where mindset work helps—and where it becomes harmful or dismissive 
• Practical ways to regain a sense of control over your life again 

If you’ve ever searched:

• “How to cope with chronic illness” 
• “Chronic pain and mental health” 
• “Why do I feel lost after illness?” 
• “How to find purpose with chronic pain” 

This episode will help you feel seen—and understood.

About Jeffrey Bone

Jeffrey Bone Pys.D is a psychologist whose work focuses on helping individuals navigate the emotional, behavioral, and identity challenges that come with chronic illness, chronic pain, and long-term suffering.

His approach blends:

• Psychology and behavioral science 
• Meaning-centered therapy 
• Emotional resilience strategies 
• Identity reconstruction after trauma or illness 

Dr. Bone is known for helping patients move beyond simply “managing symptoms” and toward rebuilding a life that still holds purpose, connection, and meaning.

Learn More About Dr. Jeffrey Bone

🔗 Website:
 Jeffrey Bone PsyD Official Website

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Tapping your face to reduce anxiety?

It sounds strange… until you understand what’s actually happening in the body.

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Gwenn Bonnell, an expert in EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and energy medicine, to explore one of the most talked-about—and debated—tools for stress relief, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and nervous system regulation.

This is not about blind belief.

It’s about asking a better question:
 What if your body is part of the solution?

In This Episode, We Explore:

• What EFT tapping is and how it works (in plain English) 
• Why people are turning to tapping for anxiety, stress, burnout, and emotional regulation 
• The connection between the nervous system, body, and emotional health 
• What science says—and doesn’t say—about tapping and energy medicine 
• Why tapping is gaining traction in both clinical and performance settings 
• When EFT should be used—and when it should not replace traditional care 
• A simple 60-second tapping reset you can try immediately 

If you’ve ever searched:

• “How to reduce anxiety naturally” 
• “Stress relief techniques that actually work” 
• “EFT tapping for beginners” 
• “Nervous system regulation tools” 

This episode gives you a practical, evidence-informed perspective—without overpromising.

About Gwenn Bonnell

Gwenn Bonnell is an EFT tapping practitioner and energy medicine specialist who helps individuals reduce chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and persistent pain by working with both the mind and body.

After experiencing over a decade of chronic pain herself, Gwenn found relief through tapping—leading her to train extensively in EFT, somatic techniques, and energy-based healing approaches.

Today, she works with clients seeking:

• Anxiety and stress relief 
• Trauma support and emotional regulation 
• Chronic pain management 
• Improved sleep and nervous system balance 

Her approach blends practical tools with body-based awareness, helping people feel more in control of their internal state.

Why This Episode Matters

We’re living in a time where:

• Anxiety and burnout are at all-time highs 
• People are searching for non-drug solutions 
• The connection between mind and body is finally being taken seriously 

But with that comes confusion—and skepticism.

This episode doesn’t ask you to believe.

It asks you to stay curious.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly “on edge”…

This conversation might introduce a tool you’ve never considered—but can’t ignore.

🎧 Watch or listen now
…and subscribe to Crackin’ Backs for conversations that challenge what you think you know about health, performance, and healing.

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

How do you find joy… when you’ve lost everything?

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Riedel, a businessman whose life changed in an instant after being crushed by a falling tree—resulting in the loss of his right hand and right leg.

But this is not just a story about survival.

It’s a deep exploration of identity, resilience, mindset, and faith—and what it really takes to rebuild your life when everything familiar is gone.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• How to rebuild identity after trauma, amputation, and life-altering injury 
• The mental and emotional reality behind “staying positive” 
• Why resilience is not a mindset—but a daily practice under pressure 
• The role of faith, purpose, and perspective in recovery 
• How extreme adversity reshapes leadership, relationships, and priorities 
• What most people misunderstand about overcoming trauma and rebuilding life 
• The perspective shift you need before life forces it on you 

Why This Episode Matters

Most people believe they need a crisis to change.

But the truth is…
 the lessons are available now—if you’re willing to hear them.

This episode is for anyone who:

• Feels stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated 
• Is searching for purpose, clarity, or direction 
• Wants to understand what real resilience looks like 

Because Brandon’s story isn’t just about loss…

It’s about what’s still possible after it.

About Brandon Riedel

Brandon Riedel is an entrepreneur and speaker whose life was forever changed by a devastating accident. Through his recovery, he has become a voice for resilience, mental strength, and faith-driven transformation, showing others how to rebuild not just physically—but mentally and emotionally.

If you think you’re having a hard time…

This conversation will challenge your perspective—and show you what’s truly possible.

🎧 Watch or listen now
 …and subscribe to Crackin’ Backs for conversations that redefine resilience, health, and human potential.

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Most people say they want change.

But very few are willing to do what change actually requires.

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Terrance Ogden, founder of Project G.R.I.T., whose life is a real-world example of what it means to go from rock bottom to purpose-driven living.

This isn’t just another comeback story.

Terrance went from homelessness, drug addiction, and jail… to completing 1,000+ mile rucks across Texas—and now leads others through physically and mentally demanding challenges designed to pull them out of stagnation and into action.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why most people searching for motivation, discipline, and purpose stay stuck
• The real difference between surviving vs truly living
• What people misunderstand about personal transformation and change
• How doing hard things—like rucking, endurance challenges, and physical stress—can reveal deeper mental and emotional patterns
• What grit actually looks like when motivation is gone
• The internal battles that don’t disappear after success—and how to face them
• Why inspiration without action leads to the same life, year after year

Why This Episode Matters

We’re living in a time where:

• People are consuming more self-help content than ever
• Motivation is everywhere
• But real change is rare

This episode cuts through the noise.

It challenges the idea that change comes from:
- more information
- more inspiration
- more planning

And instead shows that transformation comes from:
- action under discomfort
- consistency without motivation
- doing hard things on purpose

About Terrance Ogden & Project G.R.I.T.

Terrance Ogden is the founder of Project G.R.I.T., a movement focused on helping individuals break out of destructive patterns through discipline, service, and physical challenge.

After experiencing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, Terrance rebuilt his life by embracing hardship—using endurance events like long-distance rucking to develop mental toughness and clarity.

Today, through Project G.R.I.T., he leads others through:

• Endurance rucks and challenges
• Accountability-based transformation programs
• Community-driven growth through shared adversity

His mission is simple:
Help people take the first step out of their rut
Teach them how to keep going when it gets hard

If you feel stuck…
If you’re searching for change…
If you’re waiting for the “right moment”…

This episode will challenge you to stop waiting—and start moving.

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Most people don’t fail because of their limitations…

They fail because of the limits placed on them.

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Landi and his mother Kimberly—a duo who are redefining what’s possible for individuals living with Down syndrome, autism, and developmental challenges.

Kyle was born into a world that immediately labeled him.

Low expectations.
Boundaries.
Limitations.

But Kimberly refused to accept that narrative.

She literally rewrote the playbook—challenging the system, asking better questions, and raising Kyle without the constraints society tried to impose.

The result?

 A competitive bodybuilder
 An athlete
 A man, and family, on a mission to change how the world sees disability

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why society’s expectations—not biology—are often the biggest limitation
• The truth about Down syndrome, autism, and physical performance
• How strength training can improve muscle tone, longevity, and confidence
• The role of hormones, health optimization, and early intervention
• What parents, coaches, and clinicians are getting wrong about developmental disabilities
• How identity—not diagnosis—shapes long-term outcomes
• What it really takes to raise a child without limits in a world full of them

This isn’t just a conversation about disability.

It’s about human potential.

Why This Episode Matters

We’re living in a time where awareness is growing…
but expectations are still too low.

For individuals with Down syndrome and autism, the conversation is often focused on limitations—what they can’t do.

This episode flips that narrative.

It challenges:

• Medical assumptions
• Social stigmas
• And the quiet ceilings placed on people from day one

About Kyle Landi and his mom Kimberly

Kyle Landi is an athlete, bodybuilder, and advocate who is changing the conversation around Down syndrome, autism, and performance. Through strength training and discipline, he is proving that capability is not defined by diagnosis.

Kimberly Murphy, his mother, is the driving force behind that transformation—an advocate who challenged traditional thinking, pursued innovative health strategies, and refused to let her son be limited by outdated beliefs.

Together, they represent what happens when:
 You stop accepting labels
 You question the system
 And you build a life without limits

Follow Kyles journey via Instagram

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Most people think healing gives you your life back.

But what if it costs you the life you knew?

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Scott Roessler, an 11-tour Special Operations veteran who stepped into one of the most controversial and rapidly emerging treatments in mental health—ibogaine therapy.

After years of invisible battles with PTSD, trauma, and nervous system overload, Scott became part of a Stanford-led ibogaine study exploring whether this powerful psychedelic compound could help reset the brain.

But this is not a highlight reel.

This is the part no one talks about:
👉 What happens after the breakthrough
👉 The identity shifts that follow deep healing
👉 The work required to make it last

In This Episode, We Explore:

• What ibogaine therapy is and how it may impact the brain and PTSD 
• Why preparation, coaching, and integration are critical for success 
• The truth about psychedelic therapy for veterans and first responders 
• Why healing can disrupt identity, relationships, and purpose 
• The risks, misconceptions, and real-world outcomes of ibogaine 
• Why more veterans are dying from suicide than combat—and what we may be missing 
• Whether ibogaine should become FDA-approved or remain outside traditional medicine 

If you’ve ever searched:

• “Ibogaine therapy for PTSD” 
• “Can psychedelics heal trauma?” 
• “Veteran mental health solutions” 

This episode offers a raw, firsthand perspective from someone who lived it.

About Scott Roessler

Scott Roessler is a retired U.S. Special Operations veteran who served 11 combat tours and has become a powerful voice in the conversation around veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

After struggling with the long-term effects of combat stress, Scott participated in a Stanford research study on ibogaine therapy, helping bring awareness to alternative approaches to healing trauma.

Today, he speaks openly about:

• Life after combat 
• The hidden cost of survival 
• The importance of integration and purpose after healing 

His story is not about escaping pain—
 It’s about confronting it, and rebuilding from the inside out.

Learn More About Scott Roessler & Ibogaine Therapy

Connect with Scott via Linkedin

Connect with Scott via Instagram

Look for his book, “The operators guide to the universe” Coming out in JUNE!

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Everyone’s chasing the next breakthrough in health.

Peptides.
 Hormones.
 IV therapy.
 Regenerative injections.

But what if the real problem isn’t what you’re taking…
 it’s that your body has stopped responding?

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jason Pencek to explore a different lens on healing—one based on cellular signaling, communication, and restoring the body’s ability to respond, not just adding more inputs.

This is a conversation about what’s real, what’s hype, and what people are getting dangerously wrong when they experiment with their health.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why healing isn’t about adding more supplements—but restoring cellular communication 
• The truth about peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, growth hormone peptides)—what works vs hype 
• How therapies like IV hydration and nutrients, hormone optimization, and regenerative injections actually work 
• What Neural Prolotherapy (NPT) is—and how simple irritants like dextrose can trigger healing 
• Why more people are experiencing hormone imbalance, low testosterone, and burnout 
• Where people are going wrong with biohacking and self-experimentation 
• When IV therapy becomes a real clinical tool vs just expensive hydration 
• Why fixing foundations (sleep, hydration, stress, metabolism) still outperforms most “advanced” therapies 

If you’ve ever searched:

• “Do peptides work?” 
• “IV therapy benefits” 
• “How to heal faster naturally” 
• “Regenerative medicine for injuries” 

This episode gives you real-world clinical perspective—not internet opinions.

About Dr. Jason Pencek

Dr. Jason Pencek is a physician specializing in regenerative medicine, hormone optimization, and integrative therapies, focusing on restoring the body’s natural healing processes through cellular signaling and biologic interventions.

His work integrates:

• Peptide therapy 
• IV nutrient protocols 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 
• Regenerative injections (including prolotherapy techniques) 

Dr. Pencek is known for combining cutting-edge therapies with a strong emphasis on foundational health principles, helping patients move beyond symptom management toward true physiological restoration and performance.

Why This Episode Matters

We’re living in a time where:

• Biohacking is trending 
• Peptides are widely available 
• People are self-experimenting without guidance 

But without understanding how the body actually communicates and heals, more interventions don’t always equal better results.

Sometimes, the most powerful change comes from restoring the system—not overriding it.

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast

Why are so many high performers quietly falling apart?

They’re disciplined.
They’re successful.
They’re doing everything “right.”

And yet… anxiety, burnout, and emotional instability are rising—especially among high-achieving professionals.

In this episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Alderette, PsyD, to explore a powerful shift in how we understand mental health:

It’s not a mindset problem.
It’s a nervous system regulation problem.

This conversation dives deep into how your nervous system, identity, and emotional regulation shape everything—from decision-making and relationships to performance under pressure.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why high performers are experiencing more anxiety, burnout, and identity loss than ever
• The difference between mindset vs nervous system regulation
• How dysregulation changes the way you think, react, and interpret reality
• Why social media hijacks your brain—and why it’s so hard to disengage
• The hidden patterns driving self-sabotage, inconsistency, and overwhelm
• How identity—not discipline—controls long-term behavior
• 3 daily practices to improve emotional control, clarity, and resilience

If you’ve ever felt:

• “I’m doing everything right, but still feel off”
• “I can’t turn my brain off”
• “I look successful, but don’t feel it”

This episode will reframe how you understand your mind—and your performance.

About Dr. Ashley Alderette

Ashley Alderette, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist and high-performance coach specializing in emotional regulation, anxiety, burnout, and identity development.

She works with executives, founders, and high-performing individuals who are outwardly successful but internally struggling with stress, disconnection, and pressure.

Dr. Alderette is trained in evidence-based modalities including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Exposure Therapy
• EMDR and somatic-based approaches

Her work focuses on helping people move from survival mode to self-mastery—building emotional control, resilience, and clarity under pressure.

Learn More About Dr. Ashley Alderette

 Coaching & Website: HERE

LinkedIn: HERE
Instagram: HERE

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.

 Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast